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Phalaenopsis Orchid is famous by the name of ‘beginner’s orchid’ because of its hardy nature and the ability to survive in intense weather. It’s also known as ‘Moth Orchid’ or ‘phal’ in short and is sure to please anyone with its wonderful beauty. Under proper care and attention, these exotic colored indoor plants can be in full blossom for a long time. The propagating and pruning of Phalaenopsis Orchid is also comparatively easy compared to other orchids.

Phalaenopsis prefers a bright light with temperature from 65 to 85 degrees F. A 40% to 70% humid atmosphere with any typical potting mix is ideal for these plants. Phals have wing-shaped leaves that add more to the beauty of them. They should be placed near the window where they can receive soft sunlight.

Varieties of Phalaenopsis Orchid

Though there are approximately 60 or more species in the Phalaenopsis genus, only a few types are grown and cultivated. The common Phalaenopsis orchids are:

Phalaenopsis Amabilis

Native to Sumatra and Java, Phalaenopsis amabilis is a fine, vigorous and easy-to-care plant for the beginners. They grow best in moderately warm climates. Most of the hybrid Phalaenopsis are derived from this species.

Phalaenopsis Aphrodite

This plant is endemic to the northern Philippines and southeastern Taiwan. It blossoms in winter & autumn, and flowers are white with a purplish flush. Leaves are elliptic-oblong in shape and deep green on the top side. The leaves can be up to 15 inches long and 3.5 inches wide.

Phalaenopsis Sanderiana

Unlike other Phalaenopsis, this plant seems to grow in offseason, from mid-summer to late of it. Flowers are comparatively smaller than other ‘Phal’ species and blossom in white with diverging degrees of pink glaze at the edges of the petals and sepals.

Phalaenopsis Appendiculata

Native to Malaysia, Phalaenopsis appendiculata is a small sized plant that blooms colorfully patterned flowers. This plant has been recognized recently and can be easily grown in-house.

Steps to Ensure Proper Care for Phalaenopsis Orchid

Know your Plant

The basic step is to identify that you have a Phalaenopsis Orchid in your garden. There are a few features that this plant possess. Phals consist of with 3 to 6 leaves from where the flower blooms. Flower have 2-4 inches diameter and can grow in any color. So, make it confirm that you have this amazing orchid at your home. Because not all orchids are created equal, and people often confuse them due to the numerous types of orchid plants available in the market.

Avoid Over-Watering

The key cause of phals’ fading or death is over-watering. You should water them just once a week because Phalaenopsis are epiphytic plants which can survive easily in drought as well. Before watering them, check the soil with your finger and in case the soil feels wet, avoid watering. The best time to water is in the morning. While watering, prevent water from getting on the leaves because it may kill the delicate leaves.

Keep in a humid place

This plant should be placed in any indoor humid place like washrooms as they are tropical plants. Use a tray of pebbles or small stones filled with water to raise humidity around your plants. Spray water around the aerial roots to keep them moist.

Light

Placing the Phalaenopsis Orchid plant under direct sunlight can burn their leaves. They should be placed where they are never exposed to intense sunlight. They need mild light to grow properly. For example, early morning light is considered the best to grow its lively leaves and flowers.

Temperature

Phalaenopsis Orchid plants cannot grow well during too hot or too cold temperature. It requires a moderate temperature to flourish. So, a temperature between 70 to 80 degrees F is considered optimal for its growth. In fluctuating temperature, the buds ready-to-open could drop.

Nourishments

Like humans and other living beings, plants also require proper nourishing to grow into a blooming one. So, feed your Phalaenopsis Orchid plant with some tree food once a month. Use any balanced orchid fertilizer (typically 20-20-20 in fertilizer grade). Fertilizers that contain urea is harmful to Phalaenopsis.

The Best Kind of Phalaenopsis Orchid

When you go to buy Phalaenopsis Orchid for your home decor, try to buy only those with big and thick roots and glowing leaves. These ones will be the fresh and healthy ones and will be easy to bloom with proper care.

Useful Facts about Phalaenopsis Orchid

Phalaenopsis Orchid is used to develops different hybrid orchids related to same and different species but with specific genera.

A well-growing orchid blooms twice during a year. Make a wise decision while buying an orchid and select only that one which is at full bloom during the buying period.

The flowering period of Phalaenopsis Orchid persists as far as six to ten weeks.

In the case of re-potting Phalaenopsis Orchid, it may not bloom flowers till a year because it is disturbed from its original place. Phalaenopsis Orchid should be bought along with their pots than with a bare root because replanting them may take long to bloom flowers again. Or you should repot them just at the end of the flowering period.

Special Tips for Phalaenopsis Orchid Lovers

The beginning of the autumn season is very special for Phalaenopsis Orchid because that’s the time when an orchid plant unfolds its full beauty with blooming flowers. A secret tip to gain an orchid flower spike is a slight drop in the temperature during the night time. 62 to 64-degree temperature during night hours is considered the best temperature to make an orchid to develop a spike.

The best time to place the plant indoor is when the spike starts to bloom.

Cutting the bloomed orchid’s spikes will give birth to new flowers within 8 to 12 weeks.

Try to use transparent pot for planting Phalaenopsis Orchid because it will give you an accurate idea that when the plant’s roots require some water.

Conclusion

If you possess a Phalaenopsis Orchid, you have already stepped in the wonderful world of beautiful orchids! Phals are one of the finest and easiest orchid plants to grow in the home. If you just maintain a few basic guidelines, these plants will shower you with several months of beautiful blooms.